Another tough month to choose our Athlete of the Month with a few bods on the radar, but we couldn’t be happier with our decision. Our AOTM for April is NICK!! This month is exactly 2 years since Nick joined the Niche fam and in this time, has consistently put the hard work into his training. Having never done a Snatch or a Jerk before walking through the door it’s safe to say his dedication to training has paid huge dividends. Nick’ is a regular pocket rocket on the local CrossFit competition circuit and always represents Niche well. Outside the gym Nick has an exciting new chapter ahead of him as he and wife Jess will become first time parents expecting two bundles of joy – TWINS! Let’s hear from our April AOTM.
Why did you start CrossFit?
I had played footy for a number of years, but found it was too easy to get injured. I then gave triathlons a go, but found the training to be quite monotonous and lonely.
I had heard about CrossFit, and had been keen to give it a go, but couldn’t commit while doing other sports.
As soon as I went in for my first session I was hooked. I’m a naturally competitive person, more so with myself than other people, and CrossFit gives me the outlet to feed that competitiveness.
What is your most memorable moment to date?
I love the competition side of CrossFit (even if comp days are some of the most drawn out days ever) and have been fortunate enough to make the podium in a few comps. At the underground games last year, after one of the most grueling days of comp programming I’ve ever done, I was shocked to have made the top 10 for the finals. Switching back on and pushing myself to the limit in the final with a packed gym of people screaming was amazing.
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
Being a small guy, anything body weight is my jam. Give me “MURPH” or a couple of hundred burpees and you won’t hear me complain! On the flip side, anything with heavy barbells, like “DT”, I struggle. I’m trying to get comfortable under a heavy bar, but its taking a while.
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
Don’t compare yourself to what you see others doing in the gym. The skills take time to master, but if you follow what the coaches are telling you, before long you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.
And listen to your body. I can’t stress this one enough.
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
I did TaeKwon-Do as a youngster. I was training for my black belt before I lost the passion for it.
